Agenda item

The Chairman thanked the Project Lead, Healthwatch County Durham, Marianne Patterson and Mr Christopher Cunnington-Shore, Board Member of Healthwatch County Durham to present their annual report (for copy see file of minutes).

The Project Lead referred Members to the annual report as appended to the agenda papers and noted the background as regards the creation of Healthwatch as a consequence of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, to be an independent consumer champion and to push for change and improvements in health and social care.  She added that all Local Authority areas had a “Healthwatch”, with County Durham having a relatively small complement of 4½ FTE staff, albeit with a huge number of very active volunteers, including the Chairman and Board Members, including Mr C Cunnington-Shore.

Members noted an engagement statement was being worked upon and it was noted that over the first year it was clear the tone was for collaboration, and for Healthwatch to help gather meaningful feedback from service users, whilst still retaining independence, wanting outcomes for patients.  Councillors noted work that had been undertaken including in terms of pharmacy services, powers to “enter and view”, looking at high performing wards and UHND and seeing what lessons could be learned.  It was added that Healthwatch had also provided information and signposting and had been asked by the Council to user-test in respect of data accessibility, with 6 recommendations having been taken on board.  The Project Lead noted that Healthwatch County Durham was shortlisted for a Healthwatch England Award and learned as regards work in terms of barriers to Cancer Screening and Stroke Services.

Mr C Cunnington-Shore noted he felt it was important to understand what was meant by the phrases Healthwatch being “on board” and “engaged with”.  He felt it would be important for Healthwatch to let Overview and Scrutiny know as regards the level that Healthwatch had been involved in any issue and what support was given, and allow Overview and Scrutiny to challenge any assertions as regards engagement, consultation with Healthwatch.

Councillor R Bell asked if it was possible for Overview and Scrutiny to ask Healthwatch in terms of consultations.  The Project Lead noted it was possible depending upon the issue and capacity.

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted the requirements in terms of the 2012 Act and with the Committee inviting Healthwatch to the meetings in order to have a conduit for the exchange of information, with several examples and regular meetings of the Chair and Vice-Chair with Healthwatch representatives. 

He added that it would be useful when the Committee was presented with cases for change that Healthwatch had been involved in the process, and not simply asked for a retrospective opinion.

Resolved:

That the Committee receive and note the presentation by Healthwatch County Durham in respect of their Annual Report 2017-18.